Ok,
well so I have I think I got most of it sorted out, I just have to work a bit more with CAD to get the networking working...
I'll try to make a small build blog. but will probably be until the end of summer.
Here's the rough outline:
- Whiskey bottle case ca 210x100 mm in size( making the server a discrete addition to my living room/office or wherever it will end up.
- Dell 240W laptop charger (19,5V 13A) (got one laying around, might go bigger)
- An LK 75 heatsink from ELV.de : good for at least 240W if I understood right.
- Up to 24 x NanoPi Neo Air( had the best arrangement of CPU/RAM/connectors)
- A step-down converter for each pi on custom PCB (keep it simple: buy ready-made modules on eBay)
- USB to ethernet and switches on custom PCB (drawback for Air as ethernet aren't exposed)
- 1 or 2 60mm fans.
I've made a rough estimated CAD:
http://a360.co/2rsYFYm (viewable in 3D and able to explode all parts(8th button), the case is made transparent for easy viewing)
if it all works with the 4 pi's I got, it's just a matter of buying more. I will also share the CAD if all works out, though not being a pro at this,
Thinking of going wifi to the server, making it a bit slower to upload work and download results, but should be good enough for a test rig. infact thinking of going all wifi, to start with, before going all in on custom PCBs.
anyways, ill let you know what happens, and I hope for rainy days;)
/andolf